This psalm of King David, like others, acts as a guide for us on how we should respond to God when we are in despair or sorrow. It is broken up into three sections:

1. SHARE YOUR DESPAIR WITH GOD:

David cries out to God with feelings of despair. He feels that God is far away, as we do at times. King David feels so overwhelmed that four times he uses the phrase “How long!”

– how long oh Lord will you forget me?

– how long must I wrestle with my sorrow?

– how long will you hide yourself from me?

-how long will my enemy have victory over me?

2. PRAYERS FOR HELP:

King David prays and pleads for God's help and intervention.

3. TRUST AND PRAISE:

Despite his despair and his crying out to God, King David is able to speak with words of trust and praise to God knowing HE will intervene. If we really believe, when we pray for God's help, that he will intervene, then we can pray with rejoicing and praises as we look forward to his coming answer. Philippians 4:4,6 Is a great example of this section. It says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving present your requests to God.”

If we really believe and trust God then we are able to rejoice in all things. And we're able to pray for God's help while giving Thanksgiving in advance because we know in advance that he will answer and intervene on our behalf.

This psalm gives three steps on how we should respond.

1. Share our despair.

2. Pray for God's help and intervention.

3. Praise and thank Him in advance because you know he will answer.

Unfortunately, the third step is the most difficult one for me.